About Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme of India (GHCI):
- It was launched by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India, under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, aiming to establish India as a global hub for green hydrogen production and export.
- The scheme emphasizes accuracy in emissions data, strict monitoring, and international compatibility, aiming to boost investor confidence and support the growth of a credible green hydrogen market in India.
- Features of GHCI:
- Hydrogen can be officially recognized as “green” only if its non-biogenic greenhouse gas emissions do not exceed 2 kg of CO₂ equivalent (CO₂e)/kg of hydrogen, averaged over 12 months, under the
- The scheme outlines a comprehensive certification process for producers to verify that the hydrogen is produced using renewable energy and that the greenhouse gas emissions do not exceed 2 kg of CO₂ equivalent (CO₂e)/kg of hydrogen.
- This threshold is measured across the production stages within a defined system boundary.
- The certification framework includes clear definitions, objectives, roles of stakeholders, eligible production pathways (electrolysis and biomass conversion) and emissions quantification methods.
- Producers must appoint Accredited Carbon Verification (ACV) agencies, recognized by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency, for independent verification.
- The GHCI operates with four types of certificates: Concept Certificate, Facility-Level Certificate, Provisional Certificate and Final Certificate.
- Concept and Facility-Level certificates focus on design and operational readiness, while Provisional and Final certificates evaluate actual emissions based on production data.
- Final certificates are mandatory for facilities benefiting from government incentives or intending to sell hydrogen domestically.
- Data monitoring plays a crucial role. Producers are required to maintain detailed production and emissions records for at least five years.
- A standardized MRV (Monitoring, Reporting, Verification) framework guides this process, enhancing transparency and enabling traceability.
- The scheme also aligns with international standards like ISO 19870:2023 for lifecycle GHG assessments, helping ensure global comparability and investor confidence.
- The certification also enables producers to access carbon credits under the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS), subject to additional compliance requirements.
- Certificates are issued in multiples of 100 kg of hydrogen and include detailed information on emission intensity and production attributes.
- A nominal fee is applicable only for the final certificate.
- To ensure compliance, the MNRE or its designated agency may withdraw certificates if verified emissions exceed the allowed threshold or if producers fail to complete the certification process on time.
- Repeat non-compliance can lead to penalties, including ineligibility for future certification cycles.
